After the latest updates of Chrome and Safari, I noticed “not secure” appearing in the URL bar at the top of the browser for many websites. In the past, it was a subtle exclamation mark, but nothing as apparent as “not secure” placed directly in front of the web address.

This not-so-subtle warning means that the traffic between your computer’s browser and the server is not encrypted. Does it matter? Before these updates, I would have said: “it depends.” Now, it matters. Why?

Let’s assume your business has a simple webpage with some background information on the nature of your firm, and a telephone number to contact you. Why would you need to encrypt this information? In the past, you wouldn’t need to. Now, I strongly recommend it.

You do not want your prospective customers to see “not secure” beside your company’s URL. Unless they are super savvy with the web and know what this warning means in technical terms, they may subconsciously question whether this site is safe to navigate.

Luckily, there is an easy solution. When you use a platform provider, make sure that your subscription includes an SSL-certificate. If it does, go to settings and find the area where you can turn it on. Wait a few minutes and then reload your page. You will now see a lock symbol in front of the URL indicating that your site is secure.